Philosophy Paper 3

Technology

What is Martin Heidegger’s perspective on technology?

He argues that technology is not simply a collection of tools and machines but a mode of revealing or disclosing the world.

What does Heidegger say in “The Question of Technology”?

We use technology for our ends and it reveals the overall possibilities hidden within the world.

The value neutrality thesis by Joseph Pitt

It asserts that technological artifacts themselves do not embody values but rather it is the users who ascribe values to them based on intentions and contexts. Technology is inherently neutral as it does not contain moral values, rather it is shaped by the values of society that use it.

B.F Skinner’s Behaviourism

That there is a strong role in the environment that shapes and controls our behaviour. (Social media addiction) Skinner is encouraging inidividuals to go off their phones.

What does Lao Tzu’s quote on water and environment?

“Water is fluid, soft and yielding. But water would wear away rocks, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard.” (Chapter 78)

Deep Ecology

The natural environment has inherent value, value in and of itself and therefore we must respect and treat the natural world with dignity. Aldo Leopold “We need to extend our social conscience from people to land, and it is not right to see the natural world simply in terms of its economic worth to humans.

Gaia Theory - James Lovelock

“Humans are just part of Gaia, and Gaia herself would survive without our presence. Life could not be destroyed. The theory challenges their perceptions and sees them as a part of a whole. If we abuse Gaia, we risk our survival, as Gaia owes us nothing, and we owe her our very existence.

Tao Te Ching relationship between earth and humans

“Each separate being in the universe returns to the common source. Returning to the source is serenity.” Chapter 16